Phillips takes a defensive stand

Texans coach answers safety

Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips watches plays during his first team practice since being named interim coach Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2013, in Houston. Coach Gary Kubiak is out indefinitely after suffering a mini-stroke this weekend. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

Reed is a nine-time Pro Bowler who was released by the Texans on Nov. 12 and signed with the Jets. He said Wednesday that Houston’s defense “is not a good fit for a lot of people who are still down there” and singled out Phillips as a big reason for his departure.

Phillips responded to Reed’s criticism on Wednesday.

“I think a lot of players have fit into it real well,” Phillips said. “We’ve got seven guys on defense that have been here since I’ve been here, and I feel like they’ve played real well within it.”

Houston has lost eight straight, but the defense is allowing the fewest yards in the NFL.